EFFECT OF COMPOST, BIO-FERTILIZER AND ACTIVE DRY YEAST ON ORIGANUM SYRIACUM, L. PLANTS UNDER SINAI CONDITIONS

Abstract

This experiment was conducted at El-Maghara Research Station (North Sinai), Desert Research Center, during the two successive seasons of 2004 and 2005 to study the effect of compost, bio-fertilizer and yeast on growth , oil production and chemical composition of Origanum syriacum L. cv. Sinaicum (Boiss). The plants were fertilized with compost at the rates 5, 10 and 20 m3/feddan, bio-fertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum sp., Bacillus cirulans and Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum) and active dry yeast at the concentrations of 0, 5 and 10 g /L. The results showed that compost application at 10 and 20 m3/feddan enhanced number of branches, herb fresh and dry weights, oil percentage, oil yield / plant and chemical composition (N, P, K and total carbohydrates percentage ) of oregano plants. Compost at 10 m3/feddan was the most effective treatment followed by 20m3/ feddan. Active dry yeast, at 5 or 10 g /L led to a significant increment in vegetative growth parameters, oil percentage and oil yield / plant, as well as chemical composition ( N, P , K and total carbohydrates percentage) . Yeast at 5 g /L was the most effective treatment in most cases. Whereas Yeast at 10 g / L was the most effective treatment on oil percentage. Bio-fertilizer led to a significant increase in number of branches, fresh and dry weights / plant, oil percentage, oil yield/ plant, and chemical composition (N, P, K and total carbohydrates percentages) in both two seasons. Interaction had a significant effect on all parameters. Compost at 10 or 20 m3 / feddan plus bio-fertilizer plus active dry yeast at 5 or 10 g /L gave the highest values of vegetative growth parameters, oil percentage, oil yield / plant and N, P , K and total carbohydrates percentage. Keywords: .